The Most Objectionable Character Terry Melcher Had Ever Met

1st David Crosby. 2nd Charles Manson. As told to by the living legend Van Dyke Parks on the Byrds under review

[@RustedTelevisione]

Good ol Van Dyke Parks tells this story with such glee!

[@MisterE103]

Melcher was being honest as Crosby was a control freak and very difficult to get along with according to his former band members. Manson being Terry's second choice speaks volumes as to what a piece of work David Crosby is.

[@russallert]

No surprise at all. John York, in his interview for The Byrds Under Review, said that when he joined The Byrds and the inevitable discussions about the band's past members came up, the impression he clearly got was that Gene Clark had been the whipping boy for David Crosby. There are other stories about Crosby's attitude from when he and Graham Nash took part in Neil Young's Time Fades Away tour in 1973. He alienated so many people with his superior rock star attitude that when he once accidentally fell off the stage and was clearly in pain, a lot of the crew members enjoyed watching it. Undoubtedly a very talented man, but also very egotistical and difficult.

[@stevedonahue7956]

very talented? wouldn't say that...

[@robinrubendunst869]

He harmonizes well. Not a remarkable vocalist, player or songwriter. Just an incorrigible naughty boy who had an irresistible smile and a big blabbermouth.

[@sillyworm]

Come on...not a huge fan but he had a beautiful voice.

[@metv2363]

@@robinrubendunst869, spoken like a true expert. At what, I have no idea.

[@brianchidester3334]

I laughed for five minutes at this. Genius!

[@williamnelson727]

imagine being compared UNFAVORABLY to CHARLES MANSON. But hey, he was 1/3rd of C.S.& N. They did alright in the studio, as I recall.

[@warrenleming9049]

Crosby is to music what Bluebeard was to marital bliss

[@Kram6298]

Hilarious story. Melcher clearly had a great sense of humor.

[@steveundertoned9456]

Van Dyke is too much. The deadpan delivery.

[@rachelrendish9019]

Interesting that Tex Watson was not top of the iist.

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

just listen to the extras on the byrds records either notorious byrd brothers or fifth dimension. they're all bullying the drummer.

[@ryetim32]

LOL. Crosby stole a liver

[@rollingstopp]

Terry was a boy 25

[@stevedonahue7956]

crosbys songs are the worst byrd songs

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

no they're the best. don't be silly now!

[@surfwriter8461]

That's nonsense. But Crosby co-wrote a number of songs for the band as well as composing solo on some. I didn't like his attitude and his way of wrecking the group dynamic, but I have to admit he contributed in important ways to the guitar interplay, the vocal harmonies (and some lead vocals), and the writing of certain songs.

[@mikeymutual5489]

@@surfwriter8461 Finally someone with an intelligent comment here.

[@surfwriter8461]

@@mikeymutual5489 Well, gosh, thanks for that.

[@Mncrr]

Crosby was at best the third most important member of the byrds and csn. Not a lead vocalist, not a great guitarist, and a spoiled Hollywood raised entitled jerk which was said by several people who dealt with him.

[@mikeymutual5489]

You obviously know nothing about rock history, so please just keep your mouth shut.

[@Mncrr]

@@mikeymutual5489 maybe you should do your research before you talk.

[@mikeymutual5489]

@@Mncrr I've done research for years, and I have ears. What's your excuse?